Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles news, rumors and injuries

Baltimore Orioles C Matt Wieters (elbow) still isn't throwing with any force, but he is expected to be cleared March 17. He is making his way back from Tommy John surgery last June. He was able to catch two innings in an intrasquad scrimmage Sunday, March 1. He will still be able to serve as the designated hitter in Grapefruit League games until he is fully cleared.

Fantasy Tip: The team is being very careful with Wieters, but he should be a solid fantasy option in all formats as long as he can stay healthy.

Baltimore Orioles 3B Manny Machado (knee) continues to be a full-go in spring workouts, and he's taking part in all infield drills. "He looks good," manager Buck Showalter said. "His face is good. You get to the point where he almost looks bored. It's kind of where he is. It's not step, 'is that going to hurt?' Step, 'is that going to hurt.' So far so good."

Fantasy Tip: It's good to see Machado doing well early in camp, but we'll need to see some more before the season starts to feel comfortable investing a middle-rounds selection on the young third baseman after two knee surgeries this early in his career.

Baltimore Orioles C Matt Wieters (elbow) looked very comfortable during fielding drills again Thursday, Feb. 26, according to manager Buck Showalter. Wieters isn't slated to catch in an exhibition game until March 17, but he'll receive plenty of work before then. It's unknown if he'll be ready to catch on opening day.

Fantasy Tip: While Wieters might not be starting on opening day, he probably won't be too far behind that. The good news is his Tommy John surgery isn't likely to affect his swing, and he was performing at an elite level in 2014 before the injury. Wieters is primed to be a steal in drafts this year.

Fantasy Tip: Cabrera is just a year removed from stealing 37 bases with the San Diego Padres, and the year before that he had 44 thefts. He's obviously best known for his speed, and he could make an impact on deep mixed rosters if he sees enough playing time. He's worth a late-round stab if you're looking to add some steals.

Fantasy Tip: As previously mentioned in another tip, Cabrera could be a solid late-round option depending on how much playing time he gets. He will be a decent fantasy option at short if J.J. Hardy gets hurt, but otherwise his playing time could be limited.

Baltimore Orioles 3B Manny Machado (knee) is a full-go in camp after having a second season-ending knee surgery last year. "I'm just going out there being myself," Machado said. "Playing how I've always played. Just trying to get that feel for it again." Machado played in only 82 games last year because of the injury, but he figures to see plenty of playing time this spring. He hasn't had any setbacks this year as he looks to be fully healthy for opening day.

Fantasy Tip: There is a clear element of risk when selecting Machado in fantasy baseball drafts. Will he continue to be an injury-prone player throughout his career? If you choose to run with him as your starter at the hot corner, make sure you are well protected. A slow start to the year could be in order, as well.

Fantasy Tip: As previously mentioned, De Aza could be worth a flyer in the later rounds of mixed fantasy leagues because of his uncertain status and the likelihood he will platoon in the outfield. His overall value is muted due to possible platoon status and a decrease in his home runs from 2013 to 2014.

Fantasy Tip: De Aza saw a decrease in his home run and stolen base totals from 2013 to 2014 but will look to improve his stats. He is expected to be part of a platoon in the outfield and could be an option in the later rounds of mixed league drafts.

Baltimore Orioles C Matt Wieters (elbow) has been cleared to do everything but throw full-strength to the bases, and he could catch an intrasquad game as soon as Sunday, March 1, or Monday, March 2. Wieters isn't cleared to throw full-throttle until Tuesday, March 17.

Fantasy Tip: Fantasy owners sleeping on Wieters this draft season are doing so at their own peril. There is a lot to like about him as your No. 1 catcher, and you can likely land him at a slight discount, too. Don't forget, he was off to torrid pace (.308/.339/.500 slash line) before the elbow injury flared up last year and is in his prime offensive years.

Fantasy Tip: It's unclear exactly what role Cabrera will fill in Baltimore, but as a fantasy drafter in the late rounds of mixed leagues, it makes sense to take a chance on him because of his speed. With J.J. Hardy entrenched at short, Cabrera could take some playing time away from Jonathan Schoop at second base.

Fantasy Tip: Machado's upside remains intriguing, but he's now had surgery on both of his knees, making him a big injury risk at a position that can be scary if you strike out on your target. Keep a close eye on him this spring to see how he fares with plenty of work.

Baltimore Orioles C Matt Wieters (elbow) will serve as the designated hitter in the team's first intrasquad game and "more than likely" the March 3 exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, according to manager Buck Showalter. Wieters won't be behind the dish until March 17 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Wieters played in just 26 games last year.

Fantasy Tip: The good news is that Wieter's elbow surgery will mainly affect his ability to throw out runners behind the plate in the early going, and it shouldn't have much of an impact on his swing. With that said, he's a sleeper candidate at the catching position and looks real attractive at a discount as your No. 1 backstop.

Fantasy Tip: Cabrera could slot in at second base or left field if he wins a starting spot in camp. Cabrera has 99 steals the last three years combined, and he'll have some middle infielder value in AL-only leagues.

Free-agent SS Jayson Nix (Royals) was signed by the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Nix will make $750,000 if he is in the majors at the end of spring training, and he can earn $50,000 in incentives.